In the barracks of the "1st Guards Brigade Tigers – Croatia" in Zagreb, on August 12, 2024, a formal ceremony was held to mark the departure of the fifth Croatian contingent (HRVCON) for the NATO mission of enhanced vigilance in Hungary (Enhanced Vigilance Activities – eVA). The primary task of this contingent is to participate in training and exercise activities aimed at strengthening the defensive capabilities of the NATO alliance.

The Croatian contingent is part of NATO's enhanced vigilance activities, integrated into a Battle Group led by Hungary. This fifth contingent comprises 64 members, including eight women. The structure of the contingent includes a national command team, a national support element, staff personnel, military police, a protection platoon, a tactical civil-military cooperation team, an explosive ordnance disposal team, and a medical team. The commander of the fifth Croatian contingent is Colonel Ivan Čeko.

Preparation for departure and mission objectives
Preparations for the mission included intensive training and preparatory activities. Members of the contingent underwent rigorous exercises to ensure their readiness to perform all tasks expected of them in an international environment. The main goal of the mission is to improve interoperability with other NATO member states and strengthen collective defense capacity within the alliance.

Support from family and community
At the farewell ceremony, in addition to the family members of the contingent's personnel, high-ranking officials were also present, including the commander of the Command and Operational Center of the Croatian Armed Forces General Staff, Brigadier General Željko Ljubas. His presence underscores the importance that the Republic of Croatia places on participating in NATO operations, which also shows solidarity and support for the soldiers departing to Hungary.

Significance of international military missions
Participation in international missions such as this one in Hungary is a key element of Croatia's military strategy. Colonel Čeko emphasized that the participation of the contingent will contribute to security efforts and confirm the readiness of the Croatian army for tasks in a multinational environment. He highlighted the importance of learning from historical experiences, especially from the Homeland War, as an impetus for strengthening global security.

Increasing NATO alliance capacity
NATO's battle groups deployed in Central and Southeast Europe, including Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, and Bulgaria, are part of the alliance's broader strategy to enhance defensive capabilities and collective security. Their purpose is to strengthen deterrence and defense capacities, as well as collective defense capabilities, drawing on experiences from previous missions in Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.

Croatia's role in NATO
The Croatian contingent participates in NATO's enhanced vigilance activities as part of the Battle Group led by Hungary, in accordance with the decision of the Croatian Parliament on March 11, 2022. Croatia's participation in these missions further strengthens the country's international position and contributes to global security efforts. In addition to Croatia, forces from Italy, Turkey, and the United States are also participating in this mission.

From July 2022 to the end of July 2024, four Croatian contingents with a total of 256 members of the Croatian Armed Forces were sent as part of NATO's enhanced vigilance activities in Hungary. This number indicates Croatia's strong commitment to strengthening international security and its role within the NATO alliance. Each mission brings new experiences and knowledge that improve the operational capabilities of the Croatian army.

The presence of Croatian soldiers in Hungary is part of a broader commitment to strengthening collective security within the North Atlantic Alliance. While participating in the mission, Croatian soldiers contribute to building a safer world and reaffirm their commitment to their allies.